Interactive Drums with Rhythm Resource

Time: 10:45-11:45am
Location: The Rumpus Room

Rhythm Resource will drum up a storm!

Celebrating diversity, unity and community together on this Family Day, Rhythm Resource will provide an immersive, hands-on Afro-Peruvian drumming performance, fun for all ages.

The "cajon" is a versatile percussion instrument, originating in Peru and this workshop is the perfect introduction. Release your rhythm in this energetic, tapping, clapping, drumming experience. Drop in and out or stay and play for the full time.

Website: rhythm-resource.com

Interactive Drums, Songs & Stories with Indigenous Women Rise

Time: 12:15-12:45pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Indigenous Women Rise is proud to represent First Nations, Métis and Inuit women from across Turtle Island and honoured to share good medicine with community through drum and song. The Indigenous nations represented include Stolo, Mohawk, Lenape, Saulteaux, Ojibway Peguis, Sagkeeng, Snuneymuxw, Métis, Anishinaabe, Nadleh Whut’en, Squamish, Tla’amin and Oneida. Members reside across Turtle Island from Arizona to Ontario.

Each of the group’s drum circles begins with a sharing circle and sharing of songs and ends with a prayer. The women who attend Indigenous Women Rise have expressed that the drumming and singing is very healing. Some have found their voice and attribute that to the drum circle’s good medicine. First Nations, Métis and Inuit women are welcomed to join this healing journey, lifting one another up and sharing medicine with each other.

Website: indigenouswomenrise.ca

Rasa Ranga: Interactive Dance with Punaravritti Encore

Time: 1:00-1:45pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Punaravritti Encore, led by artist Sudhesna Mohapatra, brings the vibrant spirit of Sambalpuri folk dance through Rasa Ranga.

Sudhesna is a dedicated Indian classical and folk-dance artist who is passionate about sharing the cultural stories and rhythms of Odisha, India with audiences across Canada. Rooted in the Indigenous traditions of Western Odisha, Sambalpuri dance radiates joy, rhythm and community.

Accompanied by the energetic beats of traditional instruments such as the dhol, nishan, and mahuri, the music amplifies the earthy, festive essence of the dance. Rasa Ranga’s performance is fun, welcoming, and full of colour, inviting audiences of all ages to join in the celebration and feel right at home.

Website: linktr.ee/sudhesna.moh

Interactive Drums & Dance with Mdundo Arts

Time: 2:15-3:00pm, 3:30-4:15pm
Location: Theatre Under the Stairs

Mdundo Arts is a vibrant, incorporated performance and educational arts company based in Canada, with deep roots in East Africa. Mdundo is a Swahili word meaning "rhythm." The company specializes in African traditional and contemporary dance forms, as well as diasporic styles such as jazz, house, and hip-hop — serving both beginners and professionals. Mdundo Arts’ work reflects the heartbeat of a people, where movement, rhythm and story converge. The members are dedicated to promoting cultural heritage and artistic excellence through powerful live performances, hands-on workshops and community-centred programs. By blending traditional rhythms with modern expressions, Mdundo Arts builds bridges between communities and generations.

Website: mdundoarts.com
Facebook: @mdundoarttechug
Instagram: mdundoarts

Home Is: An Interactive Creative Theatre Performance by Jill Raymond

Time: 2:30-3:15pm
Location: The Living Room Stage

Jill Raymond is a multidisciplinary creator and performer based in Richmond, BC, known for producing theatre works which are equally thought-provoking and entertaining. In this family-friendly production, interaction between performer and audience will be central in discovering what “Home Is.”

In this dynamic interactive performance, Jill will lead audience members through a creative experience where you are invited to consider what home means to you and the importance of community and acceptance. Featuring storytelling, live music and audience participation Home Is promises a unique performance for the whole family.

Website: jillraymond.com

Flamenco Fun 4 Kids: Interactive Dance with Jhoely Triana, Kelty Jean McKerracher & Gerardo Alcala

Time: 3:00-3:30pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Jhoely Triana, director of Flamenco Fun 4 Kids, is a Colombian-born flamenco dancer and choreographer based in Vancouver.  With a diverse dance background, Jhoely trained at the Goh Ballet, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from Simon Fraser University and honed her flamenco skills at Al Mozaico Flamenco and Flamenco Rosario. She continues her professional development through regular trips to Spain and brings her passion for flamenco back to Vancouver to share the beautiful art form with others, creating a deep connection to the audience, and an immersive and resonant experience.

Kelty Jean McKerracher is a queer community-engaged artist, singer, flamenco performer and lawyer who led and produced Barrio Flamenco: Flamenco for the People for the DTES Heart of the City Festival for seven years.  

Gerardo Alcala is a Vancouver legend. This flamenco master guitarist has had a long and decorated career, including living in Spain and performing with renowned masters such as the Agujetas, performing in Spain’s Bienal de Sevilla and performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Flamenco Fun 4 Kids introduces Flamenco’s rich music, dance and cultural roots. A fun follow-the-leader format invites everyone — children and accompanying adults — to join lively sing-along and dance-along moments, celebrating expression, community and shared cultural heritage.

Website: www.jhoelytrianaflamenco.com
Instagram: @jhoelytrianaflamenco

Interactive Dance with Sudnya Mulye and Sudnya Dance Academy

Time: 3:45-4:30pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Sudnya Mulye is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sudnya Dance Academy, where she has shared the beauty of Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian classical dance, for more than 28 years. She teaches students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, believing that dance is for everyone. Through her academy, Sudnya has trained dancers from beginner level all the way to Arangetram and has created many original productions that celebrate culture, storytelling, and community.

In this interactive dance performance, children will explore rhythmic footwork, graceful arm movements, playful jumps and expressive facial storytelling. They will also learn simple hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam to communicate emotions and bring stories to life. Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to dance barefoot.

Facebook: @sudnyadanceacademy
Instagram: @sudnyadanceacademy

Interactive Music & Performance with Mike Bryden

Time: 3:45-4:30pm
Location: The Living Room Stage

Mike Bryden is a bilingual, multidisciplinary artist who delights audiences with a playful blend of songs, stories and live drawings. There’s really nothing like Mike’s performance. His show includes hilarious props, retro-analogue visual projections and plenty of interactive fun that will spark your imagination and warm your heart.

Website: mikebryden.com

Interactive Dance with Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC

Time: 2:00-2:45pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

The Philippine Cultural Arts Society of BC (PhilCAS) is a dynamic youth group that brings Filipino culture to life through vibrant dance and community spirit. Performers share traditions with heart, pride and the kind of joy that gets everyone moving.

PhilCAS will teach Tinikling, the Philippines’ famous bamboo dance! Kids will jump, hop and groove between bamboo poles in a super interactive, beginner-friendly workshop. It’s fast, fun and guaranteed to get everyone smiling. Come try the dance that brings the whole community together!

Website: philcas.ca
Facebook: @philcas.ca
Instagram: @philcasofbc

Opening Ceremony with Tsatsu Stalqyu (Coastal Wolfpack)

Time: 10:00am
Location: The Plaza

Tsatsu Staqayu (Coastal Wolfpack) is a group of Coast Salish singers and dancers from across southern Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. Their dance group is a four-generation family. All their songs and dances are composed by their own members. They have permission from their elders to share a small portion of their culture with the public.

Website: tsatsustalqayu.ca
Facebook: @coastal.wolfpack.90

A Cappella Music by Quayside Voices

Time: 11:30am-12:00pm
Location: The Plaza

Quayside Voices delivers slick harmonies, bold energy and fun for every age with only their voices! Their shows are elevated with movement to captivate audiences.

They are musicians-in-residence at Braid Street Studios as well as the 2024 and 2025 recipients for Best Original Song and the 2024 recipient of the Best Original Arrangement at the Pacific North-West Harmony Sweepstakes in Olympia, Washington.

With a true belief that A Cappella is for everyone, Quayside honours this principle with continued connection and collaboration, whether it be through community events, local schools or partnering with other groups.

Website: quaysidevoices.com
Facebook: @quaysidev
Instagram: @quaysidev

Highland Dance by Shot of Scotch Vancouver

Time: 1:00-1:30pm
Location: The Plaza

Shot of Scotch Vancouver is a non-profit society formed in 2013, dedicated to honouring and expanding the Highland dance tradition through performance and education. The company creates imaginative, innovative Highland dance that engages and inspires diverse audiences locally, nationally and internationally. Shot of Scotch Vancouver fosters community connections and provides opportunities for adult Highland dancers to thrive beyond their competitive careers.

Under the artistic direction of Susan Nase, Shot of Scotch Vancouver develops new contemporary work while maintaining high technical standards and strong Scottish roots. The group has presented original choreography at events such as NYC Tartan Week, the Nanchang International Military Tattoo and the International Body Music Festival.

Website: shotofscotch.com
Facebook: @shotofscotchvancouver
Instagram: @shotofscotchvan
Youtube: @shotofscotchvan

Music by Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra

Time: 1:15-1:45pm
Location: The Rotunda

The Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra (RDYO) is a registered charity with the mission to inspire in youth a journey of self-discovery and belonging through exceptional orchestral training programs. Since 1971, the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra has served numerous young musicians and provided a type of musical instruction that is not commonly available for children and youth: instruction and performance opportunities in an ensemble setting. For many youth, the RDYO is a social as well as an educational opportunity, as musicians are able to meet other young people who share their passion for music.

Website: rdyo.ca

Vocal & Guitar Music by Company

Time: 1:15-2:00pm, 2:30-3:00pm
Location: The Living Room Stage, The Plaza

Company is a musical trio made of three very close friends who love performing together. Featuring long-time peers Julia MacLean, Taylor McKee and James Ross, each member is a talented and seasoned entertainer. The three met as teenagers while performing together in Perry Ehrlich’s Showstoppers. The group's history is evident when they perform, as they harmonize with ease. Company specializes in unique acoustic arrangements of pop, country and indie folk music. The group’s eclectic mix of songs and their playful demeanour creates a joyful and memorable experience for audiences of all ages.

Instagram: @companymusictrio

Music by Three Beats

Time: 11:45am-12:15pm, 3:00-3:30pm
Location: The Rotunda

Three Beats is a trio of young artists dedicated to sharing love for music and creativity, inspiring the next young generation and building a stronger community. Group members have performed in various community venues including senior homes and Minoru Center of Active Living, played in local groups such as Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra and Richmond Elementary Honour Band and have competed in provincial-level competitions. Three Beats strives to serve community through performance and our joy of music.

Website: jaydennaing.com

Harp Music by Emma Sarang Wong

Time: 3:15-3:45pm
Location: The Den

Emma Sarang Wong is a fifth-grade student in Richmond. She began learning the harp at the age of five and quickly developed a deep love for the instrument. Emma has earned numerous awards at local, national and international competitions, demonstrating her dedication and musical talent. She enjoys performing on stage and sharing her passion for music with others. One of her favourite activities is playing for seniors in retirement and care homes across Richmond and the Lower Mainland, where she delights audiences with her expressive performances and warm spirit. Emma hopes to continue growing as a harpist and inspire others through her music.

YouTube: @emmasarangharpist

A Cappella Music by Vostok

Time: 4:00-4:30pm
Location: The Plaza

Vostok is a vocal trio primarily performing a cappella. "Vostok" means The East: Eastern European music, from East Vancouver.

With a strong connection to their roots in Ukrainian music, singers Aliya Griffin, Emily Villavicencio and Jessica Hood also share a love of the rich and varied, yet often interconnected musical and cultural traditions from across Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Their performances are filled with a diverse range of music from across the region in numerous languages and dialects. From a Polish lament to a Croatian harvest song, a dissonant Bulgarian chant to a Ukrainian spring song first heard on a Kyiv subway, Vostok takes the listener from bliss to despair and back again.

Website: thetroikacollective.com/vostok-3
Facebook: @eastvancouvervostok

Dance & Drumming by Hong De Vancouver Dragon & Lion Dance Team

Time: 4:40-5:00pm
Location: The Plaza

Hong De Vancouver Dragon and Lion Dance Team proudly bring excitement, joy and cultural spirit to audiences of all ages. Rooted in Richmond and Vancouver, they showcase excellence in both traditional performance and competitive sport. Their vibrant lions and drumming celebrate heritage and share blessings with the community.

Instagram: @vclda

Storytelling by Familogue 語你童行

Time: 10:30-11:00am (Mandarin), 12:30-1:00pm (Cantonese), 2:30-3:00pm (English)
Location: The Story Nook

Familogue, established in 2022, is a nonprofit organization registered in British Columbia. The founding members include a group of experienced education professionals andparents who recently immigrated from Hong Kong to Vancouver. Familogue’s vision is fostering family dialogue, empowering lifelong learning and elevating children to their highest potential for a better world.

「語你童行Familogue」是一個於2022年成立卑詩省註冊的非牟利團體。創會成員包括一班來自香港的資深教育工作者，也是剛移民到加拿大溫哥華的家長。成員希望透過他們的專業，幫助家庭更有效地溝通，一起同行與成長。

Website: linktr.ee/familogue

Stories & Songs by Kung Jaadee

Time: 10:45-11:00am
Location: The Living Room Stage

Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is an Indigenous storyteller, educator (BA and BEd) and author who has been sharing stories for thirty-plus years across Canada. She belongs to the X̱aayda (Haida), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Tlingit and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and is also part Hawaiian. She was born and raised on Haida Gwaii and is from the Yaguu’laanaas Raven Clan.

Her Haida name, Kung Jaadee, means “Moon Woman” and was presented to her at her great uncle’s memorial feast by her cousin Crystal Robinson. Her Aunt Leialoha gave her the name “Hi’ilawe,” in reference to the most famous Hawaiian waterfall on the Big Island. Since relocating to Vancouver, Kung Jaadee has also learned Squamish legends from her uncle Bob Baker (S7aplek, Hawaiian name is Lanakila).

Kung Jaadee has performed traditional Haida legends while sharing vivid personal stories about her clan's survival of the smallpox epidemic and the history and culture of her people. She has performed at hundreds of festivals, schools and Aboriginal celebrations across Canada. She is the author of both children’s books and textbooks, including I Am Connected, Raven's Feast and Gifts from Raven, Haida Nation: Indigenous Communities in Canada and Haida Gwaii: We Are Home. Her stories have been published in several anthologies and magazines including a commission by The Lonely Planet. In recent years, Kung Jaadee worked as a storyteller-in-residence for the North Vancouver Public Library and the Vancouver Public Library.

Kung Jaadee states “storytelling chose her” and loves to share her gift of storytelling with people of all ages across Turtle Island.

Website: pebblestarartists.com/kung-jaadee

Storytelling by Ljerka Anic

Time: 12:00-12:45pm, 1:30-2:00pm
Location: The Living Room Stage, The Story Nook

Naomi Steinberg is a gifted artist and storyteller, born on Canada's supernatural west coast in beautiful Coast Salish territories, of French and Jewish descent. With over 25 years of experience performing traditional folk stories and fairytales at schools, theatres, forests, festivals and conferences, Naomi believes that to explore a story deeply is to embark on a journey of discovery and play. She uses movement, clown, contemplation and vocal dynamics, all while encouraging awareness of the planet and intercultural sensitivity. Most recently, Naomi voyaged around the Earth without taking an airplane. She told her hand-spun story, Goosefeather, wherever she went and has now published a book about the experience.

Website: naomisteinberg.ca and goosefeather.ca

Storytelling by Mia Zhou

Time: 3:30-4:00m
Location: The Story Nook

Mia Zhou is a storyteller based in Vancouver. She will be sharing a Chinese legend and a folk tale incorporating her own personal childhood stories. Along with stories, this engaging performance will include learning a traditional Chinese song, singing and dancing together. Using both English and Mandarin, Mia will teach some phrases for everyone to wish each other a Happy Lunar New Year.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Axis Theatre

Time: 11:00-11:45am, 12:15-1:00pm
Location: The Theatre Under the Stairs

Axis Theatre draws young eyes up to engage them in interactive experiences that educate, inspire and transform. In the story of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life; he keeps to himself. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes.

Axis incorporates combinations of red-nose clown, mime, movement, mask work, puppetry and improvisation to expand the meaning and impact of the stories presented. Audiences experience smart, entertaining interpretations of traditional and cutting-edge physical theatre. It is deceptively simple, completely fresh and always memorable.

Website: axistheatre.com/mrhatch
Facebook: @axistheatreco
Instagram: @axistheatreco

Family Time with Skipp the Dog by Deer Palace Studio

Time: 11:30am-12:00pm, 12:45-1:15pm, 2:00-2:30pm
Location: The Den

Deer Palace Studio, a place where imagination and comfort meet, was founded by Elijah Strand after he graduated with a technical arts degree in 2024 and discovered a love for puppetry. His work blends the closeness of live theatre with the limitless charm of animated characters. Rooted in the symbolism of the deer — steadfast, hopeful, curious — Deer Palace Studio creates nurturing experiences that uplift hearts across BC.

Skipp the Dog is excited to welcome everyone to the Richmond Children's Arts Festival! Accompanied by Chloe Ziner's sound effects and musical support, the Doghouse Puppet Theatre will come to life for three thigh-slapping sessions of an improvised talk show, hosted by a dog living in a cat world.

Website: deerpalace.carrd.co

Face Painting by Thompson Community Centre Youth

Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Plaza & The Library

Thompson Community Centre Youth will brighten cheeks and bring smiles with face paint! Choose from a selection of cute and colourful designs, including hands, houses, animals and more.

Intermittent Dance Party with DJ Aidan Madamba

Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Aidan Madamba is a 17-year-old DJ from Queensborough, New Westminster. He has been DJing since he was age nine and now works as a one-on-one DJ instructor at the TableTutors DJ Academy in Burnaby and is also a member of the Richmond Youth Media Program. Outside of DJing, Aidan is active in the performing arts, model united nations and youth advocacy initiatives!

Host: Monica Lee

Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Living Room Stage

Monica Lee, a kid-friendly fun-enthusiast, will get the crowd going and highlight all the bright, shiny things. She is full of fun facts and silly sayings and will likely make up a song or two on the spot. A wearer of many hats, Monica Lee is known for her talents as a Zucchiin Race Caller, a roots singer-songwriter, a children’s entertainer and an educator through her company, Jump Into Music.

Website: monicaleemusic.com

Host: Kimberly Ho

Time: 11:00am-4:30pm
Location: The Theatre Under the Stairs

Kimberly Ho 何文蔚 is a filmmaker and interdisciplinary artist based in so-called “Vancouver.” Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, their work is nourished by collaboration and explores their Hakka-Chinese diaspora through the body, food culture and queer futurisms. Their films have screened at festivals including Images Festival andthe Vancouver Asian Film Festival, where they received the People’s Choice Award for Best Short Film and the Richard K. Wong Film Fund. Kimberly was also a voice actor in the Peabody Award-winning game, 1000xRESIST, and is the co-host and co-producer of season 4 of Pride: The LGBTQ+ History Series on OUTtv.

Instagram: @kberlyho

Host: Nancy Toro

Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Rumpus Room

Nancy Toro has details coming soon!

Greeters

Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Everywhere

Greeters will be wandering the festival, dressed in colourful clothing. Keep an eye for them if you are looking for directions or suggestions of what to do!